Characteristics of Eccentrically Braced Frames

Abstract

The eccentrically braced steel frame provides an efficient structural system for resisting lateral loads caused by wind or seismic activity. In some applications, this versatile system can reduce overall material requirements and result in a frame which is still under moderate loads yet ductile at extreme overloads, an essential feature in seismic design. In this paper, some of the fundamental characteristics of the behavior of eccentrically braced frames are examined by studying some simple examples. The results provide a qualitative assessment of the behavior of the framing system for use in seismically active regions.